Marker Mount Apparatus, System, and Related Methods

ABSTRACT

A mounting apparatus for use with a marker and related systems and methods are disclosed. The mounting apparatus includes a mount head. An elongated spike is connected to and extends from the mount head. A first attachment section is formed at a substantial center point of the mount head, wherein the first attachment section has a blind, stepped hole positioned therein. A plurality of attachment sections is formed within the mount head and located radially about a center of the mount head, wherein the plurality of attachment sections each have a hole formed at least partially through the mount head.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/928,149, entitled, “Marker Mount Apparatus” filed Jan. 16, 2014, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is generally related to mounting devices and more particularly is related to a marker mount apparatus, system, and related methods.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Roadway markers are primarily defined by a vertical plastic or fiberglass element rising three or more feet from the ground and having a reflective element. The marker is planted in the ground so that the reflective element generally is easily seen. The markers may be used to mark entrances, sides, or other areas of walkways, driveways, roadways, or other areas that may be otherwise difficult for people, drivers, snow plow operators, and others to see, which may protect property, such as a lawn, plants or mailboxes from damage. A problem with these markers is that they need to be mounted close to the road, which inevitably results in getting hit by passing vehicles, snow from snowplows or the like, damaging the vehicle and the marker and/or dislodging the marker. Damage to the marker generally results in the marker getting bent or broken, such that the marker is ineffective and needs to be replaced.

Markers defined by a vertical plastic or fiberglass element may also be tough to install in rocky, frozen, or otherwise hard to penetrate ground since they are not constructed from materials strong enough to penetrate a hard or dense surface. Additionally, a marker of three or more feet may also be difficult to forcefully install into the ground because the length of the marker cannot withstand the force of a pounding hammer. Additionally, many markers are designed for a unitary purpose and include features that lend to success only within a certain field of use of the marker. Currently available markers are unable to be adapted to variances in use of a marker, such as variances dictated by usefulness, efficiency, time, societal considerations and aesthetic purposes.

Thus, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the industry to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a mounting apparatus for use with a marker. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the apparatus, among others, can be implemented as follows. The mounting apparatus includes a mount head. An elongated spike is connected to and extends from the mount head. A plurality of attachment sections is formed within the mount head and located radially about a center of the mount head, wherein the plurality of attachment sections each have a hole formed at least partially through the mount head, wherein at least two of the plurality of attachment sections have a differently-sized hole.

The present disclosure can also be viewed as providing a marker mounting system. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the system, among others, can be implemented as follows. The marker mounting system includes a mounting apparatus drivable into a ground surface. The mounting apparatus has a mount head, an elongated spike connected to and extending from the mount head, a first attachment section formed at a substantial center point of the mount head, wherein the first attachment section has a blind, stepped hole positioned therein, and a plurality of attachment sections formed within the mount head and located radially about a center of the mount head, wherein the plurality of attachment sections each have a hole formed at least partially through the mount head. At least one elongated marker is securable within the first attachment section.

The present disclosure can also be viewed as transporting and using a marker mounting system. In this regard, one embodiment of such a method, among others, can be broadly summarized by the following steps: providing at least two mounting apparatuses, each having: a mount head; an elongated spike connected to and extending from the mount head; a first attachment section formed at a substantial center point of the mount head, wherein the first attachment section has a blind, stepped hole positioned therein; and a plurality of attachment sections formed within the mount head and located radially about a center of the mount head, wherein the plurality of attachment sections each have a hole formed at least partially through the mount head; providing at least two elongated markers, wherein each of the at least two elongated markers is securable within the first attachment section; transporting the mounting apparatuses and the at least two elongated markers, wherein during transportation, each of the at least two elongated markers is secured between one of the plurality of attachment sections of each mounting apparatus, respectively; and installing the mounting apparatuses and elongated markers in a ground surface, wherein the elongated markers are secured within the first attachment section of the mounting apparatuses, respectively.

Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is a side view illustration of a marker mount apparatus, in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a top view illustration of a marker mount apparatus, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view illustration of a marker mount apparatus, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional illustration of a marker mount apparatus, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustration of a marker mount apparatus in use with markers, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustration of a marker mount apparatus in use with markers in a storage, display, or transportation configuration, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a top view illustration of a marker mount apparatus, in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method of transporting and using a marker mounting system, in accordance with a third exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a side view illustration of a marker mount apparatus 10, in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a top view illustration of a marker mount apparatus 10, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to FIGS. 1-2, the marker mount apparatus 10, which may be referred to herein simply as ‘apparatus 10’ includes a mount head 20. An elongated spike 30 is connected to the mount head 20 and extends from the mount head 20. A first attachment section 50 formed at a substantial center point 52 of the mount head, wherein the first attachment section 50 has a blind, stepped hole 54 positioned therein. A plurality of attachment sections 40 is formed within the mount head 20, located radially about a center 22 of the mount head 20. The plurality of attachment sections 40 each have a hole 42 formed at least partially through the mount head 20.

The apparatus 10 may be used to mount a marker, such as a roadway marker, which is a rod or stick that is commonly used to identify the entrances, sides, edges, or other features of walkways, sidewalks, roads, and driveways especially during winter conditions where snow can obscure the edges of walkways, roads, and driveways. The apparatus 10 may be constructed from hardened plastics, metals, or other materials that can withstand harsh environmental conditions and the forces associated with inserting the apparatus 10 into a ground surface. For example, the apparatus 10 may often be secured in frozen or rocky ground and may need to withstand the forces associated with securing, such as a driving force or hammering from a tool or device.

The mount head 20 may include a substantially circular structure with a top side 24 and a bottom side 26. The top side 24 of the mount head 20 may include a flattened portion to accommodate convenient hammering of the apparatus 10 into a ground surface. In other words, the flattened portion may be a substantially planar driving surface formed on the top side 24 of the mount head 20. As is shown in FIG. 1, the substantially planar driving surface on the top side 24 may be oriented perpendicular to a central axis 22 of the elongated spike 30. Further, the central axis 22 of the elongated spike 30 may intersect the substantially planar driving surface on the mount head 20. The mount head 20 may include a curved edge 36 positioned between a top side 24 of the mount head 20 and a terminating edge, e.g., along the bottom side 26, of the mount head 20.

The elongated spike 30 may be affixed to the mount head 20 at the bottom side 26, or along another side. The mount head 20 may have a low profile, such that it will not cause obstructions. For example, the mount head 20 has a profile that may fit under blades of a lawnmower. The low profile design may also encourage the marker 60 (FIG. 5) to pop out of the blind, stepped hole 54 instead of the marker 60 (FIG. 5) breaking. The elongated spike 30 extends away from the mount head 20 and tapers towards a point 34. The elongated spike 30 may include a plurality of fins 32 which are positioned or extended radially about the elongated spike 30. The fins 32 may assist with securing the elongated spike 30 within the ground surface, stabilizing the apparatus 10 therein. In particular, the fins 32 may prevent the apparatus 10 from being rotated while inserted within the ground. The elongated spike 30 may be formed integrally or separately from the mount head 20.

The first attachment section 50 is formed at a substantial center point 52 of the mount head, aligned with the center axis 22. The first attachment section 50 includes a blind, stepped hole 54 positioned therein which is sized to receive the end of a marker or rod. The blind, stepped hole 54 is stepped or tapered in order to accommodate markers or rods with varying sized diameters. For example, the blind, stepped hole 54 may accommodate markers with diameters of both ¼ inch and 5/16 inch, however other sizes may also be included. The ‘blind’ aspect of the blind, stepped hole 54 is formed by the closed elongated spike 30. In other words, the closed elongated spike 30 prevents dirt or other materials from being forced into the blind, stepped hole 54 when the apparatus 10 is positioned within the ground. In this fashion, the blind, stepped hole 54 may remain free of debris and thus able to accommodate the marker end.

The plurality of attachment sections 40 formed within the mount head 20 are generally characterized as the areas within the mount head 20 where the holes 42 are located. These attachment sections 40 are envisioned as being used to assist with transporting the apparatus 10 and the accompanying markers, to help display the apparatus 10 and markers in stores, and for storage of the apparatus 10 and markers. As is shown best in FIG. 2, the attachment sections 40 may be located radially about a center of the mount head 20, as indicated by center axis 22 of the mount head 20. Any number of attachment sections 40 having any size and any location may be included with the apparatus 10. For example, as is shown in FIG. 2, there may be approximately eight attachment sections 40 positioned radially about the center axis 22 and an additional attachment section positioned substantially aligned with the center axis 22. The hole 42 formed within each of the plurality of attachment sections 40 may be formed fully through the mount head 20. The collective holes 42 may have a variety of sizes, such as varied diameters to accommodate markers having different outside diameters. The shape of the holes 42 and wall of the mount head 20 may designed to allow water to pop out as a plug. As is shown in FIGS. 1-2, some of the holes 42 have a larger diameter and some of the holes 42 have a smaller diameter. Any combination of differently sized holes in any pattern is considered within the scope of the present disclosure.

In terms of using the plurality of attachment sections 40, a manufacturer or customer can package one or more markers with one or more of the apparatuses 10. For example, one marker can be packaged with one apparatus 10; two markers can be packaged with two apparatuses 10; 3 with 3; or 4 with 4, such that the markers are positioned through the holes 42 within the attachment sections 40. When the marker(s) are inserted, the apparatus or apparatuses 10 may be prevented from sliding off the top of the marker by a cap on the marker, and they may be prevented from sliding off the bottom of the marker by tape or a label, or some other restraint, positioned at the bottom. FIGS. 1-2 illustrate an apparatus 10 with differently-sized holes 42, but the apparatus 10 may also include holes 42 that have the same size.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view illustration of a marker mount apparatus 10, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As can be seen, the underside of the mount head 20 may include a bottom surface 26 that has different heights, such as due to a molding process used to form the apparatus 10. Each of the holes 42 may be formed with sufficient material of the mount head 20 to ensure that the holes 42 can retain the markers therein during transportation, display, or storage. The fins 32 of the elongated spike 30 may also be integrally formed to the edges of the holes 42 and the mount head 20, and be connected between the elongated spike 30 and one or more of the attachment sections 40, thereby providing additional stability to the mount head 20 when hammering forces are applied to the top surface 24 (FIGS. 1-2).

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional illustration of a marker mount apparatus, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As is shown, the hole 54 is aligned with the center axis 22 of the mount head 20 and is blind or closed at the end that is located proximate to the point 34 of the elongated spike 30, whereas holes 42 may be open through the mount head 20. Further, it can be seen that hole 54 is stepped or tapered, such that the inner diameter of the hole 54 varies in size to accommodate markers with different diameters. Further, relative to the fins 32, it can be seen that the fins 32 may extend towards the point 34 of the elongated spike 30 and taper to the point 34 of the elongated spike 30. The blind, stepped hole 54 may also include a tapered design, as the blind, stepped hole 54 is positioned proximate to the point 34.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustration of a marker mount apparatus 10 in use with markers 60, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The apparatus 10 may be secured within a ground surface 12 such that the elongated spike 30 is fully or partially within the ground surface 12 and the mount head 20 is positioned abutting the ground surface 12. A marker 60, such as one constructed from fiberglass, plastics, wood, metals, or other materials, may be positioned within the hole 54 such that it is retained in a substantially vertical position above the apparatus 10. It is noted that the hole 54 may be oriented angularly with respect to the apparatus 10, thereby allowing the markers 60 to extend angularly away from the apparatus 10. Visual elements 62 such as flags, reflective materials, signs, dangling or suspended markers, or other visually identifiable structures may be positioned on the markers 60. In addition to using the apparatus 10 with visual elements 62 on the marker 60, the apparatus 10 itself may be brightly colored such that it is readily identifiable in grass, snow, or similar environments.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustration of a marker mount apparatus 10 in use with markers 60 in a storage, display, or transportation configuration, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to FIGS. 1-6, and as shown in FIG. 6, the markers 60 can be positioned through holes 42 of a number of apparatuses 10, such that the apparatus 10 are connected together using the markers 60. In this position, the markers 60 and the apparatuses 10 may be retained together for convenience during transportation, display on store shelves, or storage when the apparatuses 10 and markers 60 are not needed. The ability to retain the components together may lessen transportation costs of having to ship the components individually, while increasing the ability to store all components together in an organized manner.

FIG. 7 is a top view illustration of a marker mount apparatus 110, in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The marker mount apparatus 110, which may be referred to herein simply as ‘apparatus 110’ includes a structure that is substantially similar to the apparatus 10 of the first exemplary embodiment, discussed relative to FIGS. 1-6. However, as is shown in FIG. 7, the apparatus 110 may include a plurality of holes 142 within the plurality of attachment sections 140, all of which are sized smaller than the blind, stepped hole 154 of the first attachment section 150. For example, all of the holes 142 may be ¼ inch in diameter while the blind stepped hole 154 is 5/16 inch in diameter, as measured at the top side 124 of the mount head 120. The collective holes 142 may have a variety of sizes, such as varied diameters to accommodate markers having different outside diameters. Any combination of differently sized holes in any pattern is considered within the scope of the present disclosure.

Similar to the apparatus 10 of the first exemplary embodiment (FIGS. 1-6), the attachment sections 140 having holes 142 may be located radially about a center of the mount head 120, as indicated by center axis 122 of the mount head 120. Any number of attachment sections 140 having any size and any location may be included with the apparatus 110. For example, there may be approximately eight attachment sections 140 positioned radially about the center axis 122. The hole 142 formed within each of the plurality of attachment sections 140 may be formed fully through the mount head 120. These attachment sections 140 are envisioned as being used to assist with transporting the apparatus 110 and the accompanying markers, to help display the apparatus 110 and markers in stores, and for storage of the apparatus 110 and markers.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart 200 illustrating a method of transporting and using a marker mounting system, in accordance with a third exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be noted that any process descriptions or blocks in flow charts should be understood as representing modules, segments, or steps that include one or more instructions for implementing specific logical functions in the process, and alternate implementations are included within the scope of the present disclosure in which functions may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the art of the present disclosure.

As is shown by block 202, at least two mounting apparatuses are provided, each having: a mount head; an elongated spike connected to and extending from the mount head; a first attachment section formed at a substantial center point of the mount head, wherein the first attachment section has a blind, stepped hole positioned therein; and a plurality of attachment sections formed within the mount head and located radially about a center of the mount head, wherein the plurality of attachment sections each have a hole formed at least partially through the mount head. At least two elongated markers are provided, wherein each of the at least two elongated markers is securable within the first attachment section (block 204). The mounting apparatuses and the at least two elongated markers are transported, wherein during transportation, each of the at least two elongated markers is secured between one of the plurality of attachment sections of each mounting apparatus, respectively (block 206). The mounting apparatuses and elongated markers are installed in a ground surface, wherein the elongated markers are secured within the first attachment section of the mounting apparatuses, respectively (block 208).

The method may include any additional number of steps, functions, processes, or variations thereof, including any disclosed within this disclosure. For example, the transported mounting apparatuses and the at least two elongated markers may be displayed in a retail environment, wherein each of the at least two elongated markers is secured between one of the plurality of attachment sections of each mounting apparatus, respectively. In use, installing the mounting apparatuses and elongated markers may include driving the mounting apparatuses into a ground surface in selected locations and securing the elongated markers within the first attachment section of the mounting apparatuses, respectively, thereby retaining the elongated markers in a standing position. Installing the mounting apparatuses may include driving the mounting apparatuses into a ground surface, wherein a tapered point of the elongated spike prevents a quantity of ground material from entering the blind, stepped hole. The selected locations may include at least one of an entrance, a side, an edge, a feature of at least one of a walkway, a sidewalk, a road, and a driveway.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure, particularly, any “preferred” embodiments, are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) of the disclosure without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present disclosure and protected by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A mounting apparatus for use with a marker comprising: a mount head; an elongated spike connected to and extending from the mount head; a first attachment section formed at a substantial center point of the mount head, wherein the first attachment section has a blind, stepped hole positioned therein; and a plurality of attachment sections formed within the mount head and located radially about a center of the mount head, wherein the plurality of attachment sections each have a hole formed at least partially through the mount head.
 2. The mounting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mount head further comprises a substantially planar driving surface formed on a top side thereof, wherein a driving force is applicable to the substantially planar driving surface, and wherein the substantially planar driving surface is oriented perpendicular to a central axis of the elongated spike.
 3. The mounting apparatus of claim 2, wherein the central axis of the elongated spike intersects the substantially planar driving surface.
 4. The mounting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elongated spike further comprises a plurality of fins extending radially therefrom.
 5. The mounting apparatus of claim 4, wherein at least one of the plurality of fins is connected between the elongated spike and one of the plurality of attachment sections.
 6. The mounting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elongated spike further comprises a tapered point.
 7. The mounting apparatus of claim 6, wherein the elongated spike further comprises a plurality of fins extending radially therefrom, wherein the plurality of fins taper to the tapered point of the elongated spike.
 8. The mounting apparatus of claim 6, wherein the blind, stepped hole is positioned within the tapered point.
 9. The mounting apparatus of claim 1, wherein a diameter of each hole of the plurality of attachment sections is smaller than a diameter of the blind, stepped hole.
 10. The mounting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the hole of each of the plurality of attachment sections is formed fully through the mount head.
 11. The mounting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the hole of one of the plurality of attachment sections has a different diameter size than a hole of another of the plurality of attachment sections.
 12. The mounting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mount head further comprises a curved edge positioned between a top of the mount head and a terminating edge of the mount head.
 13. A marker mounting system comprising: a mounting apparatus drivable into a ground surface, the mounting apparatus having: a mount head; an elongated spike connected to and extending from the mount head; a first attachment section formed at a substantial center point of the mount head, wherein the first attachment section has a blind, stepped hole positioned therein; and a plurality of attachment sections formed within the mount head and located radially about a center of the mount head, wherein the plurality of attachment sections each have a hole formed at least partially through the mount head; and at least one elongated marker, wherein the at least one elongated marker is securable within the first attachment section.
 14. The marker mounting system of claim 13, further comprising at least one visual element positioned on the at least one elongated marker.
 15. The marker mounting system of claim 14, wherein the at least one visual element further comprises at least one of: a flag, a reflective material, a sign, a dangling element, and a suspended element.
 16. A method of transporting and using a marker mounting system, the method comprising the steps of: providing at least two mounting apparatuses, each having: a mount head; an elongated spike connected to and extending from the mount head; a first attachment section formed at a substantial center point of the mount head, wherein the first attachment section has a blind, stepped hole positioned therein; and a plurality of attachment sections formed within the mount head and located radially about a center of the mount head, wherein the plurality of attachment sections each have a hole formed at least partially through the mount head; providing at least two elongated markers, wherein each of the at least two elongated markers is securable within the first attachment section; transporting the mounting apparatuses and the at least two elongated markers, wherein during transportation, each of the at least two elongated markers is secured between one of the plurality of attachment sections of each mounting apparatus, respectively; and installing the mounting apparatuses and elongated markers in a ground surface, wherein the elongated markers are secured within the first attachment section of the mounting apparatuses, respectively.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising displaying the transported mounting apparatuses and the at least two elongated markers in a retail environment, wherein each of the at least two elongated markers is secured between one of the plurality of attachment sections of each mounting apparatus, respectively.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein installing the mounting apparatuses and elongated markers further comprises: driving the mounting apparatuses into a ground surface in selected locations; and securing the elongated markers within the first attachment section of the mounting apparatuses, respectively, thereby retaining the elongated markers in a standing position.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the selected locations further comprise at least one of: an entrance, a side, an edge, a feature of at least one of: a walkway, a sidewalk, a road, and a driveway.
 20. The method of claim 16, wherein installing the mounting apparatuses further comprises driving the mounting apparatuses into a ground surface, wherein a tapered point of the elongated spike prevents a quantity of ground material from entering the blind, stepped hole. 